When my son was small, his feet often stepped on mine. But this summer Ryan’s feet walked through the door to his first job. The hands that once wielded a light saber with precision began to scoop cookie dough.

This mother’s heart is both proud and prayerful.  My almost 16-year-old is discovering the possibility of reaching his potential. And just like the rest of us, he’ll need a lot of help to get there.

The process of reaching our potential is ongoing. I’ve seen glimpses of what God sees in me. It’s overwhelming. And yet as I hear hints of His plan, it’s liberating.

It’s not easy fluctuating between being frozen and being free.

I’ve been at this potential thing a lot longer than Ryan and I’m hoping he’ll avoid my mistakes. Yet, I know he’ll make his own. Ultimately, I’m praying he’ll discover the power behind his potential.

Whatever God has in mind for each of us, He first thought of Christ’s redemption. I’m glad He did. To fulfill the potential He offers, I need more than I what I have on my own.

My sinful state disqualified me until I received His pardon. (Ephesians 1:7)

My ability always falls short unless I’m empowered by His. (Philippians 1:6)

My footsteps wander off course, unless He orders each step.  You get the idea.

Having a relentless knowledge of who I am in Christ, thaws my fear and invigorates my faith. It clears the path to become the me God sees – whether it is who I am at this moment or who I’m becoming by His grace.

I used to want a cookie cutter existence. I would’ve fit right in at my son’s summer job.

But God always has something more in mind than melting us into the mainstream.  So I embrace my unique. He wants to mold it into His purpose to uniquely bless others. But as I peek into the mold, it requires me to:

Be willing to grow beyond myself.  My limited perspective can be my worst enemy or my realization it’s time to seek God.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33

Know when to grow numb to numbers. Whether it’s pounds, platform or some other measurement of me, it’s helpful information but it’s not my identity. The only numbers I want to define me are the ones found in a chapter and verse of Scripture.

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. – Psalms 130:5

Always seek to grow up in His grace. And growing up isn’t easy. It can be fun and exciting. But progress in anything significant comes through facing and overcoming challenges.

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. – 2 Peter 1:2

With all the grace and peace God gives, my doing should join what He does.  As Ryan shares his “first job” experiences with me, we both continue to grow. Father God parents us both. He perfectly parents us all.

As you consider your potential, what are you hoping to do?

I find it’s more about who I’ll become, especially as I desire to share hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

_{All Scriptural references are from the New Living Translation (NLT).}

If you enjoyed this post, you can read the entire 3-part series by clicking here. I'd love to read your reflections too!